The traditions of the Church are many and varied. Being at Mass today, we see the importance that is placed on tradition.
It was the same for the Pharisees and scribes two thousand years ago but, in their case, the tradition had become the religion.
We have a responsibility, as a Church and as individuals within it, to cling to the Gospels, to the words of Jesus, and to make him the centre. Indeed, it is precisely because he is the centre of our being that we celebrate Mass and receive him in sacramental form.
Humans are desirous for rules and regulations. We are creatures of habit. Religion can sometimes fill a gap between our not-knowing and our fears, and give us a sense of belonging through the observance of traditions. As monks we know that this can be a good tool into the spiritual life. But it is by no means the purpose.
To stay fresh as members of Christ, we should maintain spiritual balance between the end goal, the daily life and the observance of traditions. To do this, staying tuned-in to the Gospel and Church teachings is important. It is for this reason, amongst others, that spiritual direction is so important, and in monasteries we place a great emphasis on referring our own spiritual life to that of a wise elder who can help to guide us. After all, it is when we think that we are on the right spiritual path that we usually find we are going the wrong way. We need only research the lives of the saints to understand this.
GOSPEL
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 7:1-8. 14-15. 21-23
Glory to you, O Lord.
The Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered round Jesus, and they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with unclean hands, that is, without washing them. For the Pharisees, and the Jews in general, follow the tradition of the elders and never eat without washing their arms as far as the elbow; and on returning from the market place they never eat without first sprinkling themselves. There are also many other observances which have been handed down to them concerning the washing of cups and pots and bronze dishes.
So these Pharisees and scribes asked him,
‘Why do your disciples not respect the tradition of the elders
but eat their food with unclean hands?’
He answered,
‘It was of you hypocrites that Isaiah so rightly prophesied in this passage of scripture:
This people honours me only with lip-service, while their hearts are far from me. The worship they offer me is worthless, the doctrines they teach are only human regulations.
You put aside the commandment of God to cling to human traditions.
He called the people to him again and said,
‘Listen to me, all of you, and understand.
Nothing that goes into a man from outside can make him unclean;
it is the things that come out of a man that make him unclean.
For it is from within, from men’s hearts, that evil intentions emerge: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, malice, deceit, indecency, envy, slander, pride, folly.
All these evil things come from within and make a man unclean.”
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.